Member Biography

Johnny Roland's career at Missouri had two
dimensions. As a sophomore in 1962, he was a
running back. He rushed for 830 yards, seventh
best total in the nation, and scored 78 points,
ninth in the nation. He rushed for 155 yards
against Oklahoma State, 104 against Iowa State.
When he returned for his junior year in 1964, Coach
Dan Devine moved him to defensive back. He made
All-America at this position in 1965.
Roland stood 6-2, weighed 198, and was a power
runner. Even in the years he was a defensive back,
Devine occasionally moved him into the game on
offense. He always picked times when Missouri
had the ball inside the opponent's 20-yard line.
In 1965, Roland also returned 42 punts and kickoffs
for 690 yards, averaging 16.4 yards on each. He was
Missouri co-captain in 1965. He helped the team to
an 8-2-1 record, including victory over Florida
20-18 in the Sugar Bowl. Missouri retired his
jersey, No. 23.
He made All-Big Eight as a runner in 1962 and as a
defensive back in 1964 and 1965. In 1965 he had six
pass interceptions.
He had an 8-year playing career in the pros with
St. Louis and the New York Giants. Then came a
career as assistant coach -- with the Green Bay
Packers 1974, Notre Dame 1975, and various pro teams
after that.
He bought a radio station, KIRL, in St. Louis.
Roland was born May 21, 1943, in Corpus Christi, Texas.